Signaling system.



C. H. POOL.

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.12, 1914.

h M d Hum m M A EVE NW. NW m 7 m M WITNESSES UNITED entries I PATENT OFFICE.

CLARK H. POOL, OF BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO STAR. ELECTRIC COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

, Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Jan, 12 1915.

Application filed January 12, 1914. Serial No. 811,538.

' fire alarm signaling systems such as may be entire system.

used in factory buildings or in large manufacturing plants.

In these factory systems suitable translating devices are distributed at various points about the protected premises to Warn the occupants so they may have an opportunity to escape in case of fire. 'For simplicity these devices are called fire warning sig nals throughout this specification and accompanying claims. Other devices are located at points which may be convenient to notify the fire fighting force and these are herein called fire fighting signals. Telegraphic transmitting mechanism is provided.

at a plurality of stations and any station may be operatedto call the'fire fighting force to that particular station and at the same time to warn the occupants of the building. It is often desired to provide some means of selection by which it may be possible to test the different signal devices and to have fire drills of parts of the system or in parts of the factory without operating the The objects of my improvement areto provide a system in which the circuits may be arranged at any station so that the trans mitting mechanism at that station may cause operation of only the fire warning signals, when, for example, a fire drillof the entire premises is desired without calling out the fire fighting forceto provide a system in which the circuits may be arranged at any station so that the transmitting mechanism at that station may cause operation of only the fire fighting signals, when, for example, a drill of the fire fighting force is desired without alarming the occupants of the premisest provide a system in which the cir-.

cuits may be arranged at any station so that the transmitting mechanism at that station may cause operation of the fire warning signals and of the fire fighting signals, when, for example, an actual fire ocoursto provide a system in which the circuits may be arranged at any station so that the transmitimprovements in tlng mechanism at that station may cause operation of only the fire Warning signals associated with that station, when, for example, a fire drill of one section of the premises s desired without calling out the fire fighting force or alarming the occupants of the rest of the :premises.

In the ordinary series circuit in which the strokes of the alarm are given upon the breaking of the circuit, it is practically impossible to secure a sound loud enough to be heard above the usual factory noise without the use of devices such as electromechanical gongs, etc., or devices operated by batteries 1n local circuits controlled by relays, both of these expedients being expensive not only in first cost but also in maintenance and also introducing additional chances of failure of operation when most needed. The patent to C. E. Beach,.May 20, 1913, No. 1,062,381 shows a method of connecting open circult signal devices in a series circuit so arranged as to secure the passage of a normal test current through them without the use of an excessive amount of. energy while the telegraphic transmitting mechanism is so connected that when it is operated the flow of current through the signal devices is reversed and also greatly increased, thus permitting eflicient operation directly from the main source of current.

lVhile the improvements herein shown and described are applied to a system similar to that shown in the patent above referred to, I desire not to be limited to the particular construction herein shown, as changes may be made therein without (leparting from the spirit of the invention.

The objects above mentioned are attained by the means illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout.

As shown, there are four stations, A, B, C and D. A source of current 1 is provided to supply the necessary energy for the operation of the system. One or more fire warning signals may be associated with each of the stations, these signals being represented by the single stroke bell 2 at station D, and at the other stations by suitable devices 3. Fire-fighting signals 4 may be located at the apparatus stations. At the. end of the system opposite tosource 1 are two electromagnets 5 and 6. These magnets control the circuit of alarm device 7 and battery 8. At each station telegraphic transmitting mechanism of any suitable typemay be installed, and only those parts necessary to illustrate the operation of my system are shown. The wheel operates the signaling lever 10. Two c1rcu1t controllers are associated with the signaling lever and the springs 11, 12 and 13, 14 of each clrcult controller are closed when the signaling lever is raised and are opened when the slgnaling lever drops. Suitable switch mechanism for controlling the selection of the different circuit conditions is associated with each telegraphic transmitting mechanism. This switch mechanism comprises two'switch arms 15 and 25 connected for simultaneous action by a bar of insulating material, the arm 15 being adapted to engage contacts 16, 17, 18 and 19 and arm 25 being adapted to engage contacts 26, 27 28 and 29. Spring 11 is connected to wire 20, spring 12 to arm 15, spring 13 to arm 25, spring '14 to wire 30, contacts 16 and 17 to wire 24, contact 18 to resistance 31 which is connected 'to contact 27 and wire 22, contact 19 to resistance 32 which is connected to wire 23 at one side of the fire warning signal or signals associated with that station, contacts 26 and 28 to .wire 21, and contact 29 to wire 23 at the other side of the associated fire warning signal.

Current normally fiows from the source 1 through wire 20, magnet 5,- wire 21, fire fighting signals 4, wire 22, wire 23, through fire warning signals 2 and 3 therein, wire 24, magnet 6, and wire 30 to source 1.

Trouble magnets 5 and 6 are so wound that their armatures will be attracted, while the signals 2, 3 and 4 are so wound that their aramtures will not be moved by this current, the resistance of said magnets 5 and 6-being so high that current does not pass though this path in sufficient quantity to operate the signal receiving devices. As long as the armatures of both magnets 5 and 6 are attracted, alarmdevice 7 does not sound. If the series circuit should be broken or the source 1 should fail, the retraction of the armatures of magnets 5 and 6 will close the circuit of the alarm to indicate.

trouble.

' Station A shows the switch mechanism in such position that the telegraphic transmitting mechanism thereat may cause operation of the fire fighting signals only. When the springs 11, 12 and 13, 14 are closed, the circuit from source 1 is to. wire 20, to the operating box, where the circuit divides into two paths; (1) from wire 20 to spring 11, spring 12, arm 15, contact 18, resistance 31 (which is approximately equal to the total resistance of the devices 2 and 3 and is used in this path as a substitute for them), to wire 22, where this circuit divides into two paths: (a) to the left in wire 22, fire fighting signals 4, wire 21 to the operating box; I

and (b) to the right in wire 22, wire 23, fire warning signals 2 and 3, wire 24, magnet 6, wire 30 to the'operating box; and (2) from the operating box to the right in wire 20, magnet 5, wire 21 to the operating box, where this path joins path (1*) thence to contact 28, arm 25, spring 13, sprin 14 to wire 30here the paths join and t e circuit returns to source 1 through wire 30. On account of the much lower resistance of the path including the resistance 31 and the-fire fighting signals 4 the major portion of the total flow from source 1 passes through this path and operates these signals. Signals 2 and 3 being in series with magnet 6 do not receive enough current to operate them.

Station B shows the switch mechanism in such position that the telegraphic transmitting mechanism threat may cause operation of the fire warning signals and of the fire fighting signals. When the springs 11, 12 and 13, 1.4 are closed, the circuit from source l-is to Wire 20, to the operating box, where the circuit divides into two paths: (1) from wire 20 to spring 11, spring 12, arm 15, contact 16, to wire 24, which this circuit divides into two paths: (a) to the leftin wire 24, to wire 23, fire warning signals 3 and2, wire 22, fire fighting signals 4, wire 21 to the operating box; and (b) to the right in wire 24, magnet 6, wire 30 to the operating box; and (2) from the operating box to the right in wire 20, magnet 5, wire 21 to the operating box, where this path joins path (1) thence to contact 26, arm 25, spring 13, spring 14 to wire 30- here the paths join and the circuit returns to source 1 through wire 30. On account of the much lower resistance of the path including the alarm receiving devices 2, 3 and 4 the major portion of the total flow from source 1 passes through this path and oper ates these devices.

Station 0 shows the switch mechanism in such position that the telegraphic transmitting mechanism thereat may cause operation of only the fire warning signals asso-- ciated with that station. When the springs 11, 12 and 13, 14 are closed, the circuit from source 1 is to wire 20, to the operating box, where the circuit divides into two paths:

'(1) from wire 20 to spring 11, spring 12, arm 15, contact 19, resistance 32 (which is approximately equal to the total resistance of the devices 4 and the remainder of the devices 3 and 2, and is used in this path asa substitute for them, and in practice could be made approximately equal to re sistance 31) to wire 23, where this circuit divides into two paths: (a) fire warning signals 3 associated with the operating box; and (b) to the left in wire 23, fire warning signals 3, wire 24, magnet 6, wire 30' to the mamas v Q operating box, and (2) from the operating box to the right in wire 20, magnet 5 wire 21., fire fighting signals 4, wire 22, wire 23., fire warning signal 2 to the operatlng box where this path joins path (P) thence to contact 29, arm 25, spring 13, spring 14 to wire 30' here the paths join and the c1rcu1t returns to source 1 through wire 30. On account of the much lower resistance of the path including the resistance 32 and the fire warning signals 3 associated with the operating box, the major portion of the total flow from source 1 passes through this path and operates these devices. Devices- 2 and 4 and the devices 3 associated with other stations being in series with either magnet 5 or magnet 6 are not operated.

Station D shows the switch mechanism in such position that the telegraphic transmitting mechanism thereat may cause operation of the fire warning signals only. When the springs 11, 12 and 13, 14 are closed, the circuit from source 1 is to w1re 20, to the operating box, where the circuit divides into two paths: (1) from wire 20' to spring 11, spring 12, arm 15, contact 17, to wire 24, where this circuit divides into two paths: (a) to the left in wire 24, to wire 23, fire warning signals 3 and 2, mm 22, to the operating box; and (b) to the right in wire 24, magnet 6, wire 30 to the operating box; and (2) from the operating box to the right in wire 20, magnet 5, wire 21, fire fighting signals 4, wire 22, to the operating box where this path joins path (l l thence to contact 27, arm 25, spring 13, spring 14 to wire 30here the paths join and the circuit returns to source 1 through wire 30. On account of the much lower resistance of the path including the fire warning signals 2 and 3 the major portion of the total flow from source 1 passes through this path and operates these'devices. Devices 4 being inseries with magnet 5 are not operated.

Since the current in magnets 5 and 6 is at no time interrupted or reversed by the action of springs 11, 12 and 13. 14, it is evident that signals may be transmitted by means of these springs without affecting the device 7.. It will also be noticed that the normal current flow in devices 2, 3 and 4 is in the opposite direction to the signaling current which flows through these devices while the springs 11, 12 and 13, 14 are in contact, thus tending to neutralize any residual magnetism which may be present.

I claim: 7

1. In a signaling system, a normally closed circuit, and, in said circuit, a source of current, two sets of signals, and, at each of a plurality of stations, switch mechanism, and telegraphic transmitting mechanism, said switch mechanism havin twn contact arms, four contact points for each arm, circuit connections fromeach contact point, and a yoke insulatingly connecting said arms, said telegraphic transmitting mechanism .hayin two circuit controllers, and mechanism ior operating said circuit controllers, and such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that closed circuit, and, in said circuit, a source of current, two sets of signals, and, at each of a plurality of stations, switch mechanism, and telegraphic transmitting mechanism, said switch mechanism having. two contact arms, four contact-points for each arm, circuit connections from each contact point, and a yoke insulatingly connecting said arms, said telegraphic transmitting mechanism having two circuit controllers, and mechanism for operating said circuit controllers, such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in one position at one station, operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in'the action of but one set of said signals, and such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in the action of the other set of said signals. I

3. In a signaling system, a normally closed circuit, and, in said circuit, a source of current, two sets of signals, and, at each of a plurality of stations, switch mechanism, and telegraphic transmitting mechanism, said switch mechanism having two contact arms, four contact points for each arm, circuit connections from each contact point, and a yoke insulatingly connecting said arms, said telegraphic transmitting mechanism having two circuit controllers, and mechanism for operating said circuit controllers, such construct-ion and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in one position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in the action of but one set of said signals, and such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in the action of the other set of said signals, and such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said qwifnlm mmknnzam :n

other position at one station operation of telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in the action of both sets of said signals.

4. In a signaling system, a normally closed circuit, and, in said circuit, a source of current, fire warning signals, fire fighting signals, and, at each of a plurality of stations, switch mechanism, and telegraphic transmitting mechanism, said switch mechaand arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in one position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in the action of only the fire warning signals, such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in the action of only the fire fighting signals, such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in the action of both the fire warning signals and the fire fighting sig nals, and such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in the action of only the fire warning signals associated with that station.

5. In a signaling system, a normally closed series circuit, and, in said circuit, a source of current, fire fighting signals, fire warning signals, and two series resistances,

and, at each of a plurality of stations, switch mechanism, and telegraphic transmitting mechanism, and such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism'that when said switch mechanism is in one position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will form a multiple circuit connected to said source and having three branches, first, the fire warning slgnals in series w th each other, second, one series resistance in series with the fire fighting signals, and

third, the other series resistance.

6. In a signaling system, a normally closed series circuit, and, in said circuit. a source of current, fire fighting signals, fire warning signals, and two series resistances, and, at each of a plurality of stations, switch mechanism, a station resistance, and

macaw suchconstruction and arrangement of-said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanismis. in one position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will form a multiple circuit connected to said source and having two branches, one of said branches comprising the station resistance in series with two sub-branches, one of sald subb'ra'nches comprising the fire fighting. signals, the other of said sub-branches comprising the fire warning signals in series with one'series resistance, and the other of said branches comprising the other series resistance.

7. In a signaling system, a normally closed series circuit, and, in said circuit, a source of current, fire fighting signals, fire warning signals, and two series resistances, and, at each of a plurality of stations, switch mechanism, a. station resistance, and telegraphic transmitting mechanism, such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in one position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmittingtmechanism at that station will form a multiple circuit connected to said source and having three branches, first, the fire warning signals in series with each other, second, one series resistance in series with the fire fightingsignals, and third, the other series resistance, and such construction and arrangement of said switchmechanism that when 100 said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will form a multiple circuit connected to said source and having two branches, one of 5 said branches comprising the station resistance in series with two sub-branches, one of saidsub-branches comprising the fire fighting signals, the other of said sub-branches comprising the fire warning signals in se- 1 0 ries with one series resistance, and the other of said branches comprising the other series resistance.

8. In a signaling system, a normally closed series circuit, and, in said circuit a 1 5 source of current, fire fighting signals, re warning signals, and two series resistances,

.and, at each of a plurality of stations, switch sistance, such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will forma multiple circuit connected to said source and having two branches, one of said branches comprising the station resistance in series with two sub-branches, one of said sub-branches comprising the fire fighting signals, the other of said sub-branches comprising the fire warning signals in series with one series resistance, and the other of said branches comprising the other series res'istance, and such construction and arrangementof said switch mechanism'that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will form a multiple circuit connected to said source and having three branches, first, the fire fighting signals in series with the fire warning signals, second, one series resistance, and third, the other series resistance.

9. In a signaling system, a normally closed series circuit, and, in said circuit, a source of current, fire fighting signals, fire warning signals, and two series resistances, and, at each of a plurality of stations, switch mechanism, two station resistances, and telegraphic transmitting mechanism, such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in one position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will form a multiple circuit connected to said source and having three branches, first, the fire warning signals in series with each other, second, one se ries resistance in series with the fire fighting signals, and third, the other series resistance, such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will form a multiple circuit connected to said source and having two branches, one of said branches comprising one station resistance in series with two sub-branches, one of said sub-branches comprising the fire fighting signals, the other of said sub-branches comprising the fire warning signals in series with one series resistance, and the other of said branches comprising the other series resistance, such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will form a multiple circuit connected to said source and having three branches, first, the fire fighting signals in series with the fire warning signals, second, one series resistance, and third, the other,series resistance,

and such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will form a multiple circuit connected to said source and having two branches, one of said branches comprising the other stationresistance in series with two sub-branches, one of said sub-branches comprising the fire 'warning signals associated with that station, the other of said sub-branches comprising certain fire warning signals in series with one series resistance, and the other of said branches comprising the other series resistance in series with the fire fighting signals and the other fire warning signals.

10. In a signaling system, a normally closed series circuit, and, in said circuit, a source of current, fire fighting signals, fire warning signals, and two series resistances, said resistances each having a value sulficient to, prevent operation of said signals, and, at each of a plurality of stations, switch mechanism, and telegraphic transmitting mechanism, and such construction andarrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in one position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in operation of the fire warning signals by forming a. multiple circuit connected to said source and having three branches, first, the fire warning signals in series with each other, second, one

series resistance in series with the fire fighting signals, and third, the other series resistance.

11. In a signaling system, a normally closed series circuit, and, in said circuit, a source of current, fire fighting signals, fire warning signals, and two series resistances,

said resistances each having a value suflicient to prevent operation of said signals,

and, at each of a plurality of stations,

switch mechanism, telegraphic transmitting mechanism, and a station resistance, said resistance having a value approximately equal to the sum of that of the fire warning signals, and such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in one position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in operation of the fire fighting signals by forming a multiple circuit connected to said source and having two branches, one of said branches comprising the station resistance in series with two sub-branches, one of said sub-branches comprising the fire fighting signals, the other of said subbranches comprising the fire warning signals in serieswith one series resistance and the other of said branches comprising the switch mechanism, telegraphic transmitting mechanism, and a station resistance, said resistance having a value approximately equal to the sum of that of the fire warning Signals, and such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in'one position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in operation of the fire warning signals byforming a multiple circuit connected to said source and having three branches, first, the fire warning signals in series with each other, second, one series resistance in series with the fire fighting signals, and, third, the other series resistance, and such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mecha- .mechanism at that station will result in operation of the fire fighting signals by forming a multiplecircuit connected to said source and having two branches, one of said branches comprising the station resistance in series with two sub-branches, one of said sub-branches comprising the fire fighting signals, the other of said sub-branches comprising the fire warning signals in series with one series resistance and the other of said branches comprising the other series resistance;

13. In a signaling system, a normally closed series circuit, and, in said circuit, a source of current, fire fighting signals, fire warning signals, and two series resistances, said resistances each having a value sufficient to prevent operation of said signals, and, at each of .a plurality of stations, switch mechanism, telegraphic transmitting mechanism, and a station resistance, said resistance having a value ap roximately equal to the sum of that of the re warning I signals, and such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in one position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in operation of the fire warning signals by forming a multiple circuit connected to said source and having three branches, first, the fire warning signals in series with each other, second, one series resistance in series wit-h the fire fighting signals, and third, the other series resistance, such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station memes operation of the telegraphic transmitting source and having twobranches,one of said branches comprising the station resistance in series with two sub-branches, one of said sub-branches comprising the fire fighting signals, the otherof said sub-branches comprising the fire warning signals in series with one series resistance and the other of said branches comprising the other ries resistance, and such construction an arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in operation of the fire fight- .ing signals and the fire warning signals by forming a multiple circuit connected-to said source and having three branches, first, the fire fighting signals in series'with the fire warning signals, second, one series resistancej and third, the other series resistance;

14. In a signaling system, a normally closed series circuit, and, .in said circuit, a source of current, fire fighting signals, fire warning signals, and two series resistances, said resistances each having a value sufiicient to prevent operation of said signals, and, at

each of a'plurality of stations, switch mech- Y anism, telegraphic transmitting mechanism, and two station resistances, said resistances each having a Value approximately equal to the sum of that of the fire warning signals,

such construction and arrangement of said i the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in operation of the fire fighting signals by forming a multiple circuit connected to said source and having two branches, one of said branches comprising one station resistance in series with two sub-branches, one of said sub-branches comprising the fire fighting signals, the other of said sub-branches comprising the fire warning signals in series with one series resistance and the other'of said branches comprising the other series resistance, such con-. struction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in operation of the fire fighting signals and the fire warning signals by forming a multiple circuit connected to said source and having three branches, first, the fire fighting signals in series with the fire warning signals, second, one series resistance, and third, the other series resistance, and such construction and arrangement of said switch mechanism that when said switch mechanism is in another position at one station operation of the telegraphic transmitting mechanism at that station will result in operation of only the fire warning signals associated with that station by forming a multiple circuit connected to said source and having two branches, one of said branches comprising the other station resistance in series with two sub-branches, one of said sub-branches comprising the fire warning signals associated with that station, the other of said sub-branches comprising certain of the fire warning signals 1n series with one series CLARK H. POOL.

Witnesses:

RoB'r. C. SWANTON, HARRY F. HOLTON. 

